Archive for May, 2013

Today, Slava, Erin, and I took two more Basic Rock Climbing Students on their Graduation Climb. Today, James and TeeJay would get to test their mettle against the First Flatiron. I had TeeJay climb with Slava, as I figured they would make a good team. Erin and I took James.

Oddly enough, about 18 months ago, Erin did this climb for the first time, as one of my students. And, now, she gets the opportunity to encourage and help others with their first time. I was very happy she agreed to come along it’s a totally different experience, when others are depending upon you to be the expert!

Turns out, James completed the first pitch (which was awesome!). After the first pitch, he was satisfied with his experience, so he decided to have us lower him. And, since James is an awesome dude, he hiked around to the backside of the flatiron and met us when we completed the climb!

TeeJay and Slava on First Flatiron Summit

TeeJay did great on the climb. Plus, this guy is always smiling! Slava and he climbed rather slow, but it was Slava’s first time leading this climb and it was TeeJay’s first time cleaning a multi-pitch climb. Also, TeeJay couldn’t get one of my pieces out, so some guy with dreads came along and cleaned it for him. So, I got my gear back (yay!).

Overall, I was happy things worked themselves out. We celebrated our success at Southern Sun. Doesn’t get much better than that!

Today, I took two of my students, Kimberly and David, on their graduation climb. Kimberly and I did Wind Ridge and then we headed over to Whales Tail. It was a nice day for climbing and we all learned some lessons. For example, I learned of a better spot to put my first anchor on Wind Ridge. I had been placing it on the slab, just over the edge, but from now on, I will place it in the crack, out on the face!